Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-07-09
OLD SMITHS ROMANCE.

Shire that old Smith" as he was Familiarity called
mad been actually detected in the clandestfne ac-
quaintance with q certain pretty mihner girl In
the town OF Filstone, where the regiment was
quartered, the announcement was received partly
with amusement and partly with incredullty.
Smith was q quiet, retiring man, perfectly harm
less, very good natured. the guide philosopher
ana friend OF youngsters, although he was made
butt by these same youngsters, on account OF his
awkwardness and his mysterious habits, and was
universally respected, as he had shown conspicu-
Gus gallantry among the ZereOaS OF the Soudan.
As he was poor man, and remained In the reg1-
ment partly out OF sheer affection for the service
and partly because he was al an age when 1t is
mixed but little in the gaitieS and hospitality Tor
which the Hopshire was famous, spent his time
principally among his books, and IL was generally
believed IN adding TO his professional income by
contributing To periodical literature.
The object OF old smiths Intentions, ft was re-
ported, was Oracle ClOUgh-a pretty. modest, we'll
behaved girl, who occupied position in the MIL
linery establishment OF Ruehe & Bustle, and after
whom half the subs in the battalion were raying,
although not word had ever been breathed that
she had in the slightest degree outstepped the
bounds OF prOpr1ety. or had upon any occasion be-
hlved herself OF herwise than mOdestly and becom-
ngly. or these sInitten youngsters none was more
ardent in his professions OF admiration, and none
could congratulate himself upon having made a
nearer approach 10 conquest than the harum-
scarum. dev1l-may-ca care Honorable Bob Topsham,
eldest son OF Lord cray, upon whose authority the
news OF old Smiths attachment had been spread
abroad.
NJ nrSt the notion that Old smith cOuiQ nave
succeeded In cutting out the handsome, Titled
young sub was secuted ridiculous, for Smith
was not exactly OF the age and appearance TO win
the love of girl at whose feet score OF eligible
bachelors OF good position and qualifications were
ready To throw themselves. 1t was very well
known toe that he was not In a position TO sup
port wife, and his character stood too high for
any one 10 dare to breathe hint that his inten-
lions toward such girl would be anything but
strictly honorable. But Bob TopSham invited his
brother subs 10 see for themselves, and arranged
that after mess one evening they should accom-
keep watch on the premises OF Ruche & Bustle at
the hour when the young ladies of that famous
emporium were liberated from their days servt-
tude- This they did, and they were rewarded by
seeing old Smith walking up and down the street
In the true cavalier STYLE to be presently Joined
by Oracle who greeted him with cordrality, and
putting her arm in his went on with him in the
direction OF the pleasant fields by which Fistone
Is surrounded.
Bob Topsham, regarded the affair as an excellent
joke. and resolved that old Smith should hear of
It's discovery IN divers pleasant ways; but Bob
TOpSham took &c very seriously, for he was head
over heels in love with the girl and up TO recent
date had good reason to believe that his affection
was reeiprocated, and that he held undivided pos
OF course, every one knew that between Bob
Topsham and Oracle Clough a very intimate un-
Outstanding existed, but the young gentleman
had already fallen In love half dozen times and
the idea was never entertained for moment that
The prospective Lord Cray, the heir OF one OF the
pr0udeSt noOlemen in the county, seriously medt-
tated matrimonial union with provincial shop
able witticisns anent the new rival who had sud-
denly appeared on the field. The result was that
GOODNESS sprang up between him and old Smith,
though they had hitherto been on the best terms
with each other, and 1t became very evident to
the only onlOokerS, who hailed with delight any,
thing which promised to vary the monotOny of
blrrack life In a quiet old country town that the
affair would soon assume a serious aspect.
The climax came in due course. Bob Topsham
had seen Oracle. and the following conversation
had enSued between them:
81 say, Graeie," said the Honorable Bob, ST wish
and honestly how matters stand between us.
You've said scores OF times that you care more for
Inc than for any other fellow. I've sworn to you
that could never love another girl, and yet I've
found out that not only are you In the habit OF
meeting Smith OF ours, but that you treat him
Just like a favored lOyer-in fact, you do with him
what you've never done with me YOU 90 out
walks with him, and can't nelp thinking that
you're PLAYING double game"
The girl seemed very much detected at these ac-
cuSationS, and at length heStat1ngly replied:
We'll, BOD. I'm sorry you have such poor opinion
likely that should say such a thing and at the
same time be carrying On-aS you term it-wfth
another man. But think that our attachment Is
altogether an unfortunate affair. 1 know I've
done wrong In encouraging you, but have not
been able 10 help 1t, because have not been able
TO help loving YOU Don't you think that we had
better not meet any more, and Try forget all that
has passed between uS?"
The young officer stared IN amazement and
exclaimed: why, Oracle, you don't mean to say
that you're going 10 throw me over Ike this?"
"No, Bob, don't want 10 do anything Of the
SUIT, Itplcu the girl, "DQJ anxious act
for your gOod-fOr the good OF both OF us-really,
truly, and honestly do. Please don't accuse me
OF any other motive. just think over our posi-
tion- On the one side there is you-heir to great
name, your father a proud. rich man. on the
other side, here am Ia milinerS shop girl What
would your father say-what would the world saw.
II you were TO make me your w1fe?"
Nv nat do care about what the governor or the
world would say?" exclaimed her lover. 81 am OF
10 cut me out of his Will You're Iady Oracle 7
Know that, although you are in shop and there's
no shame IN tnat: BY Joye. you've only to turn
Tor commerce, and even for trade. For Gods sake
tnen, Oracle don't send me away. Until knew
You wasn't up TO much good, although don't
mean that I was a blackguard But since I've
known you I've changed, and would make You
just as good husband as many Of those fellows
who come with written Characters i'm their
pockets"
"Yes, Bob, believe all that. answered the DIR,
, BIZ shouIdnt be happy, even as your wife, II
was scorned by your people and pointed out as a
cunning schemer, who had put you in a position
out OF which you could not get yourself, and saw
you left alone by all your relations and friends be-
cause you had married a girl out OF a bonnet
shop" '''''
young man. GO and live quietly somewhere
"But you can't get out Of the way of your brother
officers, ;, said the girl
Never mind about Them said Bob sBut IN
return 10 Smith. What about him? When know
aha1 you meet him, and go walks with him, what
Oracle hesitated for a moment and then. look
ing nm iull In the face, said 'Bob, If tell you
th4t you are the only man love IN the world YOU
shouIo De satisfied. But iInplore you TO think
over mat nave said. Toni mean Mr., Smith
Is an OLD and dear friend OF mine, and
InereF lnterpoSed the young man Hyouve
c1lIed MN Dy MS Christian name. Good heavens
Oracle! what does IL all mean?n
lie SlrI did not answer and the Honorable Rob
3lIef u ie" more entreatteS and expostulatiOns
IoOA niulSeN on In rage, vow1ng that he would
nave u out with his brother-Of1cer before he was
many hours older. " 80
Oh MS way 10 barracks he met Smith and to his
surprise, the latter opened fire at once by saving.
-, say, hoPohan, wish you'd give me ten min
utes' talk In my quarters
i've come on purpose TO ask the same rhino NJ
you, replied Bob, earnestly sTBut Won had h.aI for
come INTO mine, as there's less chance OF being
overheard" - DNins
50 they turned into BOb's quarters and each he
iig suppned with a cigar, Smith began:
Oho thihS, Topsham, before i say a word I
mus asa you 10 Keep your temper
VEL! smith" replied Bob at WILL am afraid.
uhoer the circumstances be hard but III do nv
isVel OesI Now, then, 20 the pointv'
NO. You must PROMISE
All hight then, PROMISE
\ "a an oder man than you are and I'm entitled
10 give you advice" 49, ASASA0u
Depends upon the subject
Wei, you're In love with Oracle Clouph aren,.
'Yes, am. But what Of that9 What hastt N
60 with you? Who told yOu?" ~
i found IL out by accdent-only n day or two
60. Now, 90 yOu think that you are doing your
uutt Doth 10 ler anu 10 yourself by persfsting In
an atlachhieht OF which nothing can Gomez"
Il must answer with another Question - ranltad
Ufs bus